Bulgarians take to icy waters in Epiphany tradition

A child holds the cross as believers sing and dance at the river Tundzha, as they celebrate Epiphany in the town of Kalofer, Bulgaria, on Jan. 6, 2012. Traditionally, an Eastern Orthodox priest throws a cross in the river and it is believed that the one who retrieves it will be healthy through the year.

Valentina Petrova / AP

Believers sing and dance in the river Tundzha, as they celebrate Epiphany day, Jan. 6, 2012.

Dimitar Dilkoff / AFP - Getty Images

A boy holds a wooden cross as men perform the traditional Horo dance in the icy winter waters of the Tundzha river on Jan. 6, 2012.